This project seeks to promote short sea shipping between the ports of Quetzal in Guatemala, Acajutla in El Salvador, Corinth in Nicaragua and Caldera in Costa Rica, and in this way reduce land freight traffic between countries in the region. It is expected that the project will start with th coordination of all sectors involved and carrying out tests.

Carlos Lainfiesta, auditor of the Port of Quetzal, told Elperiodico.com.gt that "... What is being sought is to relieve the cargo travelling by road using sea freight services at the regional level, and to do this, a request has been made by the Central Committee on Shipping and interested companies, which was to include preferential rates and prioritize for docking. "

Jean Paul Brichaux, chairman of the Committee on International Transport Users of Guatemala, added "... The customs authorities will provide facilities in the ports for the cargo to be mobilized and paperwork for shipment to be reduced, with the least amount of documents and waiting times possible; all stakeholders, ports, shipping companies, entrepreneurs and others and will make their contribution. "

Source: elperiodico.com.gt

More on this topic

Maritime Route Guatemala-Chiapas

April 2020

After the Quetzal Port Company of Guatemala and the Port of Chiapas, Mexico, signed an agreement for strategic commercial promotion, it is expected that in May the short sea route will begin to operate.

The potential offered by the Port of Chiapas as a logistic node for commercial exchange from and to Central America, as well as with other international markets, makes it a strategic place for the promotion of the Short Sea Shipping (SSS) project with Guatemala and eventually with other Mesoamerican countries, informed the Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transport (SCT).

Investments the Ports Need

May 2019

To solve the congestion problem affecting Guatemala's port network, it is estimated that at least $133 million needs to be invested to improve the operations of current terminals.

The average standard for port operation is on average 50%, however, currently the country is reaching occupancy limits above 60%, which means that they are reaching congested points that make them less efficient.

Short Sea Shipping in Central America

November 2013

A feasibility study indicates that the region has economic and port potential to develop a system of short sea shipping.  

After evaluating 49 ports with international traffic in the region, a feasibility study prepared by the Mesoamerica Project concluded that no large investments in access infrastructure are needed in order for ports to boost regional shipping.

Guatemala: Worries about high maritime tariffs

January 2009

Maritime shipping rates for cargo have no gone down despite the reduction in the price of oil on the international market, according to importers and exporters.

According to prensalibre.com, "Jean Paul Brichaux, executive director of the Council of International Transport Users of Guatemala (Cutrigua), explained that the shipping agencies increased their rates between May and August to up to $700.